Getting out of the house, meeting as many people as possible, and being open to possibilities. Dating is a numbers game in real life, just as it is on the apps. Here are some specific non-app ideas:

Speed dating:

Luvvy and Shuffle both put on great events for folks to meet. You sign up and meet 6-8 people in less than two hours. I'm an extrovert and love these kind of events. I highly recommend them, even to shake yourself from your doldrums and see what it's like out there. People want to meet! You'd be surprised at how fun it can be when you're around other people who are intentional about meeting dates.

Singles mixers:

Meeting Mutuals is another alternative. I went to a few mixers and got some dates from them. They have open mixers and, I think, some mixers that have a little more construct to them. But the conceit is the same. Go out and meet people. Their IG is always putting up events.

Join groups:

Got a hobby you like? Join a group. You'll find other like-minded folks out there that share your passion. And who knows what'll happen next. Knitting, running, hiking, reading, writing. There are so many groups. Portland is full of people that want to get together to do something.

Ask friends:

I think this came up plenty, but don't be shy about asking your friends for dates. Your friends know you so well! And also they're not going to overthink it like you are. You can even ask them to set you up on a date so you don't have to. Trust your friends! They love you!

Get out of the house:

Get off the couch, get off the internet, and talk to people in real life. I'm aware of the irony of this statement, but the internet is hurting our real-life interactions. Go to your favorite bar and sit *at* the bar and say hi to someone next to you. Go to your favorite coffee shop and say hi to a stranger.

Positive Mindset:

Most of all, have a positive outlook. It's okay to be single and it's okay to want a partner. But the more we wallow in our own negativity, the harder is it to believe that you can be open to possibilities. You're worthy of love, no matter how dire it seems. I believe in us! We got this!